(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Qatars e-commerce law, which was enacted in April this year, and related trends including cloud computing were the main issues discussed by experts with businessmen yesterday at ictQatars Business Connect seminar held at the Diplomatic Club.
Speakers discussed the implications and benefits of the law for businesses in Qatar, and also shared insights on some of the latest trends in cloud computing at the seminar dubbed Foundations for e-Business.
Ahmad Al Kuwari, Manager of ICT Market Development, said businesses in Qatar were eagerly awaiting the enactment of the e-commerce law, which clarifies important business issues such as e-signatures, e-transactions, e-documentation and online authorisation. ictQatar believes this law will allow businesses here to develop innovative online business models and offerings. It is a vital part of helping local businesses compete in the global marketplace, he said.
Bashar Dahabra, founder and CEO of Infotocell.com, a leading wireless application service provider in the MENA region, shared his experiences in developing a prosperous e-business model in the region and his views on the existing opportunities for e-commerce.
Following Dahabras presentation, an interactive panel discussion on Qatars e-ommerce law was held, featuring representatives from ictQatar, iHorizons, Car Semsar and Booz & Company.
In addition, the latest trends in cloud computing were discussed.
In his presentation, Girard Moussa, from Googles Enterprise MENA division, said cloud computing was one of the single biggest shifts in computing seen in recent years. Companies are realising that it makes business and economic sense. The cloud is simply the future of IT, Moussa said.
Other topics addressed during the seminar included Qatars national e-learning portal and its offerings for businesses, the benefits to business resulting from competition in the telecommunications sector, and a case study on Car Semsar that highlighted its successful e-business model.
Business Connect also featured an exhibition with more than 20 exhibitors, including Google, MEEZA, Qtel, Vodafone, iHorizons, Fahras Qatar, Mannai Corporation, Booz & Company, Ali Bin Ali, SAP, Sage, and others.
ictQatar regularly holds Business Connect seminars, which are aimed at sharing the latest trends and advances in ICT with the business community in Qatar, while providing an excellent networking opportunity for the participants.
By Chris V Panganiban
